If you had a week in Utah...

[b.stark]

Seems the best option may be a few days at cedar mesa and a few somewhere in the escalante area. maybe do a 1 or 2 night hike at each. have done this kind of trip arrangement before and it works well for me.

I go back and forth considering coyote(about the only area along the escalante I really know anything of already). in the end I think I have to do it sooner or later.

 

[Nick]

This thread is killing me! Every time I see "If you had a week in Utah..." pop up I start day dreaming about what I could do with a week in Utah. Yes, I live here, but still. Another benefit of doing Cedar Mesa and Escalante is the amazing drive between the two. I won't even start into the actual amazing stuff to stop at in there. But yeah, maybe Escalante before anything bad happens to it. Definitely do Coyote sooner than later.

 

[Ben]

Definitely do Coyote sooner than later.

it's not like it's going to get less crowded.

 

[Nick]

it's not like it's going to get less crowded.

Exactly.

Although if they were ever to put in a permit system that limited entry, then it certainly could.

 

[Ben]

Exactly.

Although if they were ever to put in a permit system that limited entry, then it certainly could.

well, i hope it doesn't come to that.

 

[Nick]

If this Escalante Canyons National Grazing Park happens, maybe they can put in a quota to limit how many cows enter the canyon each day??

 

[Perry]

If this Escalante Canyons National Grazing Park happens, maybe they can put in a quota to limit how many cows enter the canyon each day??

As funny as this sounds on face value it is really on point for all grazing on public lands!


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[SteveR]

it's not like it's going to get less crowded.

Exactly.

Although if they were ever to put in a permit system that limited entry, then it certainly could.

Two reasons why a return to Coyote is in our plans this year for October.
b.stark, my free advice so you know what that's worth would be with only a week- to stick to one area and avoid the time consuming drive between Cedar and Escalante. Nice enough drive for sure though and maybe you will need a rest day anyhow. There are spots along the way worth dropping in on for an hour or two as well.

 

[b.stark]

Two reasons why a return to Coyote is in our plans this year for October.
b.stark, my free advice so you know what that's worth would be with only a week- to stick to one area and avoid the time consuming drive between Cedar and Escalante. Nice enough drive for sure though and maybe you will need a rest day anyhow. There are spots along the way worth dropping in on for an hour or two as well.

After thinking it over, I'm actually really leaning toward doing coyote gulch first. so after I get that done, I'll see what catches my fancy most. There's really no shortage of good places in southern Utah, the problem is deciding where to actually go.

As an aside my phone keeps wanting to autocorrect coyote gulch to either coyote mulch or coyote gulag.

 

[b.stark]

If all goes as planned, it's 7 days or less until I leave for this trip. Was thinking of cutting it back down to a shorter trip, but decided to take the longer trip and go for it. Intending to start with Coyote Gulch then focus on the Escalante area, maybe some Capitol Reef, then if I'm feeling up for it move to other areas. The break from the daily grind is very much anticipated--the hazards of routine have gotten at me and I'm ready for the comfort of adventure.

Any last minute suggestions are appreciated. Have done enough research to be confident I won't ever get bored, and also got Allen's Canyoneering 3, which seems to be one of the go-to guides for the area, which has been helpful.

 

[SKLund]

So I've been planning to make a quick run out to Utah in late april/early may. originally the plan was to have 3, maybe 4 days there, and my intent was to focus on the Needles district and do some dayhikes.

However, I've been working lots of overtime lately and probably looking at too many trip reports. so I've tentatively decided to use a little more vacation and do a more thorough tour of the desert. I'll have at least a full week in Utah. I can be gone a total of 12 days, including driving there and back.

My question is, if you were a guy who likes dayhikes and maybe an overnight (solo, anyway) backpacking trip or two, what would be some of your top choices in Utah? In my own head I kind of figure on hitting the southeast part hard, but I'm open to other suggestions.

Dates would be April 24 to May 5. also if anybody wanted to meet up for a hike in that time frame, I'm game for such a thing. you can ask curt or frahminator if I'm any good for company!

I will send info on what I am up to and if you're interested....

 

[b.stark]

I will send info on what I am up to and if you're interested....

You've got me curious. Feel free to PM your plan/idea over if you like.

 

[JDWalters]

I would recommend climbing to the top of North Caineville Mesa (on the north side), especially if you’re already going to Capitol Reef. The view from the top is incredible, with views of Factory Butte, Caineville Reef, Waterpocket Fold & the Bentonite Hills. Plus it gives you a great view of just how bizarre the landscape is around there. It easily can be done in a day, or even an afternoon.

Let me know if you’d like more details, as there is no official trail — you would probably be alone.